FRISCO, Texas – Boogie Ellis scored 23 points and Memphis never trailed after a fast start to beat Mississippi State 77-64 in the NIT championship game Sunday, giving the Tigers a title in Penny Hardaway's third season coaching his alma mater.
After just missing out on their first NCAA Tournament since 2013-14, the Tigers went into the NIT as a No. 1 seed and won college basketball’s oldest postseason tournament for the second time.
They also were NIT champs in 2002. Landers Nolley II opened the second half with a jumper and a 3-pointer that put Memphis (20-8) ahead to stay.
Nolley is one of three sophomore starters for the Tigers, who also had a freshman and junior among the starting five. Memphis won 11 of its last 13 games, the only